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Chapter 15: Alcohols, Diols
and Thiols |
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Reactions of Alcohols
(overview)
Alcohols are one of the most important
functional groups in organic chemistry and an appreciation of their reactions
is critical to success, particularly in synthesis questions.
Alcohols, R-OH, are
able to undergo several different types of reactions:
| Nucleophilic
Substitution |
-"OH" acts as the
leaving group, or -OH or -O-
can function as the Nu |
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| Nucleophilic
Addition |
-OH acts as the Nu
forming acetals with aldehydes or ketones |
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|
| Nucleophilic
Acyl Substitution |
-OH acts as the Nu
forming esters with carboxylic acids and derivatives |
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|
| Elimination |
-OH is removed (as
water), C=C formed |
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| Oxidation |
-OH is converted
to C=O |
Here is a more detailed summary of their
specific reactions:
